City Hall tries to save Mike Zuke rink

There may still be hope for the Mike Zuke Memorial Rink.

Yesterday's announcement by Bayview Recreation Committee president John Harris that the volunteer-run rink can't open because of insurance problems has resulted in a flurry of behind-the-scenes activity aimed at saving what's become a source of intense neighbourhood pride as well as a popular recreational facility.

The company that's been insuring the rink, Optimum Frontier, has indicated that it no longer provides that kind of coverage.

The only other prospective insurer found so far wants double the premiums.

Without insurance, the rink can't operate, says City Solicitor Lorie Bottos.

Temporary relief from liability requirement

Bottos tells SooToday.com that he's prepared to recommend to City Council that the Bayview Recreation Committee be granted a temporary reduction to the liability requirement of $1 million in insurance to allow the rink to operate this winter.

"I'm willing to make that recommendation if it will make a difference to them," Bottos says.

If it will result in a substantial premium decrease, Bottos will ask Council to cut the liability requirement in half to $500,000.

"This carries a great deal of risk, however," Bottos says.

Why they need insurance

For example, the City of Windsor now carries the distinction of having been sued for the largest municipal settlement in Canada, over a rink accident.

"There was a hole in the ice and a boy tripped on it," said Bottos.

"The boy slid into the board and ended up a paraplegic. His parents sued and won over $8 million."

Harris delivered that news to his broker yesterday.

Bottos said he needs an answer today if the issue is to be heard by City Council on Monday night.

Meanwhile, a series of recent problems has left the popular neighbourhood institution strapped for cash.

Volunteers pay expenses out of their own pockets

"It seems like it was just one thing after another," Harris says.

With costly damages to repair because of pipes that froze two years in a row, and other expenses there just isn't enough left to pay high insurance premiums, he says.

Harris personally put about $1,000 of his own money into the rink this year and and he says that other volunteers have also made substantial contributions.

Community support in the form of volunteers has been phenomenal, said Harris.

He credits community members with keeping the rink clean, iced and supervised as well as maintaining the buildings.

The city contributes the boards, lighting and some manpower but the Bayview Recreation Committee must raise all the operating costs, the biggest of which is insurance, said Harris.

Volunteers like Jamie Mundell and Kenny Knox (shown above), who've been helping out at Mike Zuke Memorial Park for two years, are hopeful they'll be able to get their skates back on next week.